Two days after seeing 12 years a slave, british director steve mcqueens adaptation of the 1853 memoir of a free black man kidnapped into slavery, im still awaiting delivery of the apparatus. Masterful filmmaking techniques lend 12 years a slave. High resolution movie poster image for 12 years a slave 20. Twelve years a slave the original book from which the 20 movie 12 years a slave is based illustrated behind the scenes, or, thirty years a slave, and four years in the white house behind the scenes. Join our community of taste explorers to save your discoveries, create inspiring lists, get personalized recommendations, and.
The opening scenes of 12 years a slave, steve mcqueens searing adaptation of the truelife account of a free black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the precivil war south. Subjected to the cruelty of one malevolent owner michael fassbender, he also finds unexpected kindness from another, as he struggles continually to survive and maintain some of his dignity. The only thing that lets this film down is the rather odd beginning and the at times lessthanclear dialogue. Northup, a black man who was born free in new york state, details his being tricked to go to washington, d. Code switch solomon northup, an africanamerican musician from new york, was kidnapped and sold into slavery in. Frankly, despite some minor artistic shortcomings, mandingo from 1975 starring boxer ken norton is easily the better film to watch its interesting, entertaining, and educational. Free black new yorker solomon northup is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the south. I am thankful that i serve a god who is in the liberating business. Film has been the most influential medium in the presentation of the history of slavery to the general public. There were 14 other movies released on the same date, including escape plan, broadway idiot and carrie.
But such is the talent through every aspect of this. Aside from the captivating story and tremendous acting, the historical accuracy of slavery during this time is gut retching. Check out this behind the scenes look at bad boys for life. Northup was put to work on plantations in the state of louisiana for 12 years before being released. Not only is 12 years a slave a heartwrenching, visceral display of depravity. Its also a rare and valuable film of a kind im not sure ive ever seen before. The movie offers an unflinching portrayal of slavery in the united states and sets a new standard for. In the years before the civil war, solomon northup chiwetel ejiofor, a free black man from upstate new york, is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the south. But with the exception of a somewhat distracting thirdact cameo by coproducer brad. Starring chiwetel ejiofor, michael fassbender, benedict cumberbatch, paul dano. Apart from that, it is a very good film, but be prepared to be shocked by some of the violence.
Historian says 12 years is a story the nation must remember yale historian david blight says americans like to think of themselves as the country that freed the slaves, but prefer not to dwell. For the even more challenging 12 years a slave, mcqueen follows northupwhose papers are stolen and name changed to platt, making it all the more difficult to ever confirm his free statusas he is passed among plantation owners whose personas range from benevolent to monstrous. United states october 18, 20 limited canada october 18, 20. The american film industry has had a complex relationship with slavery, and until recent decades often avoided the topic. Watch 12 years a slave online stream full movie directv. Twelve years a slave is based on an incredible true story of one mans fight for survival and freedom. Once a man of distinction and known for his musical talents, northup is duped into taking a job with two men who drug him and sell him into slavery. Steve mcqueen forces us to confront the brutality of slavery mcqueen confronts what few filmmakers have been prepared to address.
Films such as the birth of a nation 1915 and gone with the wind 1939 became controversial because they gave a favorable depiction. The image measures 2025 3000 pixels and is 31 kilobytes large. Twelve years a slave is an 1853 memoir and slave narrative by american solomon northup as told to and edited by david wilson. Why 12 years a slave is essential sdg original source. Solomon northup is a free black man living in upstate new york with his family in the 1840s. In the precivil war united states, solomon northup chiwetel ejiofor, a free black man from upstate new york, is abducted and sold into slavery. The story takes place in 1840s america, and revolves around solomon northrup, a free black man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery. In short, this movie made me thankful for the gospel.
Its 1841, and solomon northup kisses his wife, anne, and two children, margaret and alonzo, goodbye for what they think will be a threeweek separation. Slavery was a gaping hole in film history and i thought. Director steve mcqueens acclaimed new film, 12 years a slave, is a hollywood watershed. Directed by steve mcqueen hunger, shame and scripted by john ridley red tails, 12 years a slave is a wellcrafted film that uses the topic of slavery in the precivil war u. Enter your location to see which movie theaters are playing 12 years a slave near you. Everything you need to know about 12 years a slave movie. However, it fails to make a clearcut statement about the slavery issue or provide new insight on that dark chapter in american history. Based on the book published in 1853, 12 years a slave is the true story of solomon northup, a free africanamerican living in new york in 1841, who was torn from his life of freedom to that of slavery. See more lists like the recommendations for 12 years a slave. Its far from comfortable viewing, but 12 years a slaves unflinchingly brutal look at american slavery is also brilliant and quite possibly essential cinema. Yet its more than just a litany of sorrows, the ultimate slavery movie its already been dubbed.
From betrayal to acceptance learn how chiwetel ejiofor portrayed an emotional transformation in a pivotal scene from 12 years a slave on this episode of fandango frontrunners. If his film is to show his audience acts of inhumane cruelty and. Its brutal, tragic and an unflinching account of slavery. With chiwetel ejiofor, michael kenneth williams, michael fassbender, brad pitt. It is indeed a very difficult movie to watch because of the violence emotional and physical unleashed on the slaves by their owners. It will be impossible to ever look at gone with the wind the same way after 12 years a slave, a brutally powerful and emotionally devastating film that takes great pains to rip. In the precivil war united states, solomon northup, a free black man from upstate new york, is abducted and sold into slavery. One day, two men approach him and ask if he will accompany them and play his fiddle as they travel to washington dc to the circus they work for. The trailer suggests that 12 years a slave is an altogether more conventional movie than. Based on a true story, 12 years a slave depicts the journey of a free black man in the 1840s that is kidnapped and sold into southern slavery. Historian says 12 years is a story the nation must.
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